SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> With victories in 18 of his 54 starts, and lifetime earnings of over $1.4 million, Stallwalkin Dude had provided New York racing fans with plenty of memories during his six-year career. With just one win from six starts in 2017, however, it was fair to wonder if the seven-year-old gelding had finally lost a step or two.

In Friday’s Tale of the Cat Stakes, Stallwalkin Dude, the odds-on favorite at 4-5, provided the answer. Rallying wide down the center of the track, the son of City Place engaged stubborn new leader Loose on the Town in mid-stretch, gradually wearing that one down to get up by a neck in a thrilling edition of the $100,000 stakes. It was Stallwalkin Dude’s third straight victory in the race.

The time for six furlongs over a fast main track was 1 minute, 9.75 seconds. Loose on the Town finished 3¼ lengths clear of Weekend Hideaway for the place. They were followed across the finish line by Candid Desire, Candip, Chief Lion and Caderyn.

“He likes to make it exciting sometimes, and he sure did that today,” said winning trainer and co-owner David Jacobson. “When I saw the fractions, he was a little further back than we had planned, but I knew he’d be right there. He’s run so much with so little breaks, and he’s so fit that you really don’t have to do much with him. He’s got a lot more races left.”

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Caderyn and Chief Lion battled early through a swift 21.96 opening quarter. Chief Lion took a two-length lead on the turn, but was all done turning for home, with Loose on the Town taking over. Weekend Hideaway was trying to get involved on the inside, and Stallwalkin Dude was starting to roll on the outside, but Loose on the Town was still on top at the eighth pole. In the end, however, he was unable to counter Stallwalkin Dude’s last surge.

“He’s seven years old, and you wouldn’t think he’s older than three,” said winning rider Joe Bravo. “He’s out there fighting and doing great. Look how he did it today. He came from how far out of it to get up? You have to love the old man, he’s a warrior. Win, lose or draw, he’s always there.”

The stakes win was the seventh of Stallwalkin Dude’s career. His lone graded win came in the 2016 Bold Ruler (G3), but he’s also three times Grade 1-placed, in the Vosburgh and Forego. His record improves to 19-8-8 in 55 starts, with total earnings of $1,482,852.